San Juan - your best experiences

Ungawawa

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

2017-20: Francés, Norte, Francés, Portuguese Lisbon Coastal, Portuguese central

• Apr 30, 2019

• #1

For those of you who've been on a Camino for the festival of San Juan, 23rd June, I'm curious to hear about your experiences. Was there anything really memorable?

I was in Gigon last year on the Norte for San Juan - quite by chance really. Hadn't planned to end up in that city on that day. It was utterly incredible though. Fireworks at midnight, and bonfires all along the beach as far as the eye can see. Festival spirit everywhere and partying through the night... though as a good pilgrim, I went to bed at 2am

 

naplesdon

Veteran Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Multiple Caminos 2010 to 2019

• Apr 30, 2019

• #2

Yep, quite a lot of festivities in Burgos that night, but not a bed to be had.

 

Walli Walker

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Many. First 2009 and still going.

• May 1, 2019

• #3

I only just found out about this festival this morning. I will start the Norte in Irun on that date & was wondering why I was having so much trouble finding an affordable bed in San Sebastián. I want to book that first night as I know that it will be a tough first day. So happy that I have a bed booked. Not sure how up for partying I’ll be though!

 

Last edited: May 2, 2019

T

TaijiPilgrim

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Camino Frances (2011), Camino Frances (2015), Camino Ingles (2017), Camino Muxia (2017), LePuy(2019)

• May 1, 2019

• #4

H Richards said:

For those of you who've been on a Camino for the festival of San Juan, 23rd June, I'm curious to hear about your experiences. Was there anything really memorable?

I was in Gigon last year on the Norte for San Juan - quite by chance really. Hadn't planned to end up in that city on that day. It was utterly incredible though. Fireworks at midnight, and bonfires all along the beach as far as the eye can see. Festival spirit everywhere and partying through the night... though as a good pilgrim, I went to bed at 2am

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In 2015 I arrived in Santiago on June 22 and thus, by chance, found myself there for the feast of St. John. The evening is when the festivities begin and you are supposed to stay up all night. There are bonfires to jump over - for luck? I hope so because I did - street bands and parties and fireworks after midnight. I did not stay up all night but fell asleep to the celebration of revelers applauding the fireworks and wandering the streets.

 

Ungawawa

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

2017-20: Francés, Norte, Francés, Portuguese Lisbon Coastal, Portuguese central

• May 1, 2019

• #5

Walli Walker said:

I only just found out about this festival this morning. I will start the Norte in Irun on that date & was wondering why I was having so much trouble finding an affordable bed in San Sebastián. I want to book that first night as I know that it will be a tough first day. So happy that I have a bed booked. Not sure how up for parting I’ll be though!

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I'm not surprised you had trouble. Gigon was totally booked out too. I got the last affordable hotel room cancellation within a few minutes of it going back on ebooker. Glad you won't be sleeping on the street!